FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2020
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A fourth patient has tested positive in connection to one of two travel-related cases announced on Tuesday, August 11. The patient is a resident of Diomede, where they are safely isolating and have been under a quarantine since being identified as a close contact.
Norton Sound Health Corporation notified the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing, which will conduct further investigation and contact tracing. The case’s source of infection is being considered a secondary contact, in relation to the travel-related case.
NSHC contacted Diomede community leaders to develop a community response plan. Testing will be available for residents, who can call the clinic to make arrangements.
NSHC urges residents and travelers to the region to be aware of community travel restrictions. Many regional villages require not only proof of a COVID-19 test but the results from a test as well. During these times when NSHC has a rapid test supply shortage, travelers should be aware of the waiting period it can take to receive test results and prepare to make changes to their plans. The waiting period for test results can be three to seven days.
In addition to testing, communities often require a quarantine period. It is important to abide by those requirements because quarantining will allow travelers to develop symptoms if they are carriers of the virus and will limit any possibility of spread to other contacts.
